Understanding Research Approaches to Assess Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Taxation Policy Implementation and Response in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Results From a Scoping Review
Issued Date
2026-06-01
Resource Type
ISSN
00296643
eISSN
17534887
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-105038563607
Pubmed ID
40686267
Journal Title
Nutrition Reviews
Volume
84
Issue
6
Start Page
1290
End Page
1304
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
Nutrition Reviews Vol.84 No.6 (2026) , 1290-1304
Suggested Citation
Phonsuk P., Phulkerd S., Jankhotkaew J., Thow A.M., Farrell P. Understanding Research Approaches to Assess Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Taxation Policy Implementation and Response in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Results From a Scoping Review. Nutrition Reviews Vol.84 No.6 (2026) , 1290-1304. 1304. doi:10.1093/nutrit/nuaf122 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/123456789/116824
Title
Understanding Research Approaches to Assess Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Taxation Policy Implementation and Response in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Results From a Scoping Review
Author(s)
Corresponding Author(s)
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
Implementing sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) taxation policies presents significant challenges in practice, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where resources and capacity are often limited. Expanding the evidence base and knowledge on policy implementation and responses is crucial to identifying key drivers and barriers, as well as developing effective systems for monitoring and evaluation. This study aimed to identify the research approaches used to assess and analyze SSB tax policy implementation and responses at the national level. A scoping review was conducted, drawing on relevant literature from 5 databases—Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, Global Health, and CINAHL—covering publications from 2014 to 2023 inclusive. A total of 24 studies were included in the analysis. Two qualitative studies on policy implementation revealed limitations related to data access, with reliance on publicly available information. The remaining 22 studies, focusing on policy responses, primarily used quantitative methods to evaluate the reactions of industry, retailers, and consumers in terms of price adjustments, purchasing behavior, and consumption patterns. While there is substantial documentation on tax design and structure, enforcement dynamics, stakeholder interactions, and the complexities of policy implementation remain underexplored. This review highlights a critical gap in the research on the multifaceted nature of policy implementation and response. Future studies should prioritize these dynamics and adopt innovative methodologies to enhance the effectiveness of SSB taxation policies and public health interventions in LMICs.